excessive sleep in older person?

Question

My partner has just come out of hospital after a stroke and although she has lost no movement in her limbs, she is always tired and wants to sleep during the day, is there anything that can be tried to improve this situation the normal GP doesn't seem to want to know.

Ronnie walters

Answer 1

Ronnie, I have also recently come out of hospital following a stroke, after having a subarachnoid haemorage ( brain bleed from a main brain artery ) on the 17th May this year. I am only 54. When I came home six weeks ago, I got up each morning by 7.30 but by 1pm I had to go to bed for a couple of hours. I came out of hospital on the 19th june

I WAS left with a slightly weak left arm and a very weak left leg and a bit of short term memory loss too.

This lasted for three weeks and I had to be back in bed for the night by 8pm. I now go to bed around ten thirty or so.

You dont say how long ago she had the stroke but these after effects should clear up reasonably quickly. Even now I have difficulty with my balance when moving around the house and going up my stairs.

Be patient Ronnie. things should improve soon although depending on your partners age, there may be sleepyness for a while longer. Some folk do need to sleep during the daytime but as I said, you dont say how old she is.

Answer 2

Her brain may be getting less oxygen and that could be making drowsier than normal. If things don't improve after a few days, consult a specialist in sleep disorders or a good internist. Alternative systems like homeopathy may also be a good option.

Answer 3

a neurologist would be able to tell you what part of the brain was damaged. too much sleep can be a symptom of depression. following a stroke the brain must convert to using different parts to compensate for the loss. time may be all that is needed in the case of your wife. you should speak to her about this event and how near to dying this was .

Answer 4

When my father exhibited this behavior, it was determined that he was experiencing depression. Medication and a change in his regimen has helped tremendously.
Make your GP respond! And if he still doesn't, get a second opinion. As our loved ones mature, we want their lives to be wholesome and meaningful and not slept away.
You may also want to contact you local senior support agency for assistance. Many times they have access to resources that we are not aware of.

Good luck to you and your partner.

Answer 5

Even if she still has movement in her limbs she can still have weakness. You might need to have her evaluated by a physical therapist to see if she would benefit from therapy.

If if physical therapy is not needed she needs to get up and moving. Bed rest can lead to death in short order.

Answer 6

Excessive sleep at any adult age may be a sign of depression. Is her day interesting enough to make her want to stay out of bed?

Answer 7

Hypnotherapy is a wonderful way to relax, reduce stress and to get better quality sleep with no side effects.
You can visit a Hypnotherapist for a one to one session or get a self help CD (or download)
The benefits can be amazing.
Good luck.

More details on
http://www.hypnotherapistregister.com/Sleep%20Disorders.htm

http://www.hypnotherapistregister.com/Stress%20Management.htm
http://www.hypnotherapistregister.com/index.htm

Answer 8

its because she has been through such a medical ordeal and her body needs to recuperate. the best way for the body to heal is when its asleep so you will have to be patient and just look after her. my dad went through the same and it is worrying for the loved ones but you have to make sure she gets quality sleep (uninterrupted) for a few weeks and she will soon recover.